Roksanda Ilinic for Avenue 32
Fashion Month was a whirlwind of the new and whilst the world comes together to champion the most talented of international designers, here at Your Coffee Break we always have a soft spot for London’s homegrown talent. NYC may have been name the official fashion capital of the world but we firmly beg to differ. After all, where else in the world can you find such a melting pot of homegrown young labels?
It’s rather a thrill to watch London’s finest grow into brands with a global recognition and having just presented a stellar AW14 collection and on the cusp of opening a flagship store, Roksanda Ilinic is a brand we are so very excited about right now.
Born in Serbia, Ilinic, 34, moved to London in 1999 to learn under the doyenne of fashion design, Louise Wilson at Central St Martins before launching her eponymous label. Having rapidly established herself as the go-to brand for elegant, wearable dresses, her fans include Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron. The designer is now based in London, immersing herself in all the delights of the capital, which along with her mothers fashion legacy and penchant for YSL, continually inspire her.
The AW14 show was perfectly inline with the growth of the label, combining relaxed fifties silhouettes with a touch of folklore and abstract art. Hues of nude, blue, pin and maroon merged together in combinations that shouldn’t work, but somehow, splashed abstractly across her opening looks worked beautifully. Flowing circle skirts, high waisted trousers and slim, waspy shift dresses were nipped at the waist with wide metallic belts. The looks were grounded with the pointed winklepickers worn with slouchy ruffled socks, a modernised allude to a much bolder Sandra Dee. Clear PVC was embroidered in rich maroon motifs and layered over a soft, striped underlay which gave a real depth to the pieces, especially when paired with gorgeous, tactile fur coats.
Whilst we’ll have to wait a fair few months until we can introduce the gorgeous AW14 collection into our wardrobes, we’ll be adorning ourselves in the SS14 offering. Over at Avenue32.com you can shop a delectable edit of Ilinic’s swimwear, every bit as elegant and vibrant as her mainline, you’re certain to be the most sophisticated woman by the pool.
